Several events are planned for this summer in commemoration of the 153rd anniversary of the Battle of Atlanta (BATL). Here’s the latest information:
Art work by Jeff Beekman, a photographer and Florida State University faculty member, will be on display at the East Atlanta Library Art Show through July 22. Beekman has traveled to various Civil War battlefields and created works that compare and contrast the scenes with current culture in moving ways. You may want to see the work before attending those programs. The show is sponsored by BATL in conjunction with the Friends of East Atlanta Library and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. The display is open to the public for free during regular branch hours. For access, ask at the Circulation Desk.
The Artist Talk at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum will be held July 20 at 7:00pm. On July 20, 1864, two days before the Battle of Atlanta, the first of the four battles for Atlanta took place at The Battle of Peachtree Creek. More than 150 years later, you are invited to an artist talk at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum led by Beekman, who will show and speak about those works as well as discuss what he has been working on lately. The address of the Carter Library and Museum is 441 Freedom Parkway in Atlanta, near the intersection of Ponce de Leon Avenue and Moreland Avenue overlooking the downtown Atlanta skyline from historic Copenhill, where General Sherman hung his hat during the Battle of Atlanta. Entrance is free.
On Saturday, July 22, at 10:00am, the battle anniversary Frontlines Tour will take place. The actual anniversary of the Battle of Atlanta is on July 22, and this special Frontlines Tour will be offered as part of this year’s BATL Commemoration. It will retrace a portion of the actual front lines, telling the story of the brave men who fought and died there and visiting important battle and neighborhood sites. The tour will be timed to attend one of the wreath-laying ceremonies marking this year’s 153rd anniversary of the historic battle. Advanced ticketing is required; tickets are available at www.batlevent.org until July 21 at 7:00pm.
Separate commemorative wreath-laying ceremonies will take place at the two Battle of Atlanta monuments that mark the sites where the two generals died in the opening moments of the historic battle. At 10:00am, you are invited to the Walker Monument, located on Glenwood Avenue at Wilkinson Drive near the westbound entrance to I-20, for a short ceremony. At 10:45am, there will be another dignified ceremony at the McPherson Monument, located at McPherson Avenue and Monument Avenue. These two monuments were erected more than 100 years ago as bookends, marking important events in an important battle for our country. Both ceremonies are free to the public and will feature a piper and special guests.
An artist reception at the East Atlanta Library will take place from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Drop in, meet Beekman, and enjoy wine and other refreshments provided by the Friends of East Atlanta Library. During the months of June and July during the show, there is an ongoing silent auction of one of the striking works. At the end of the party, bids will close and the winner will be announced.
To get more information, visit the Friends of East Atlanta Library Facebook page or log onto www.batlevent.org to purchase tickets to the paid events and get more information about the BATL organization and tours.
